Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2019 Challenge Prompts - Regular
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20 - a book set in space
Some of the ones I thought of right away were:The 100 & Day 21
The Martian & Artemis
Illuminae
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
I read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy this year for different planet prompt. If I don't get anything else, I might read the sequel. That works, right?
So many! I'm thinking that books set on another planet would also count for this prompt, but this list is *mostly* in space rather than on a planet.Dawn - Octavia Butler
The Martian - Andy Weir
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Illuminae - Amie Kaufman
A Wrinkle in Time
The 100 - Kass Morgan
2001: A Space Odyssey - Arthur C. Clarke
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet - Becky Chambers
And pretty much any Star Wars book!
Gotta say this one already cost me problems this year with the "set on a different planet" not to excited to see one this similar again. I ended up reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy so might go for the second in the series but am considering The Martian as several people mentioned it last year. This could potentially end up being one I bend to my own will but not quite sure yet how to do that.
If there are others that feel the same and have come up with some brilliant interpretation please share to save another fellow reader.
I would definitely be interested in an interview timing!
Ugh- this one is my least favorite prompt, not looking forward to this one and I just read an amazing book that's not too sci-fy that would've been perfect for this! Darn it!Good Morning, Midnight
I read Space Opera for the set on another planet prompt this year and it would work for this as well. It was one of my 5 star reads; I found it both hilarious and surprisingly profound. It has a Hitchhiker's Guide vibe if you've already read that series and liked it.
I definitely add my vote to the Illuminae recommendations, and I think Artemis would count as well. I also love several Heinlein books:
Have Space Suit—Will Travel (YA)
Double Star (adult)
Tunnel in the Sky (YA, if you're counting set on other planets)
A Wrinkle in Time might count here too? And of course, Cress, if not the rest of the Lunar Chronicles.
Ender's Game is an excellent choice, of course, as well as several of the sequels that would at least count for set on other planets.
Redshirts for Star Trek fans.
And if you've already read Illuminae, there's more YA by the same authors: These Broken Stars (set mostly on another planet, but starts in space).
I'll probably read Miss Pickerell on the Moon, since I happened upon it at a yard sale and picked it up because it looks fun, and am also using it for ATY's book I stumbled upon.
Saturn Run by John Sandford is really good.
I'm going to read Space OperaAs a side note, this author has a few interesting books! I also want to read:
The Glass Town Game and
The Refrigerator Monologues
I don't typically like sci-fi because I don't prefer world building. Can someone recommend some options that focus more on characters and the human story vs. the world building? TIA
Tara wrote: "I don't typically like sci-fi because I don't prefer world building. Can someone recommend some options that focus more on characters and the human story vs. the world building? TIA"I would say any of my recommendations qualify as focusing on human story. I especially recommend Illuminae.
Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13 by astronaut Jim LovellThe Singularity Trap
We Are Legion (We Are Bob)
William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope
Picture Books: By next year both will be available to be read to you from space!
http://storytimefromspace.com/stories...
Max Goes to the Space Station: A Science Adventure with Max the Dog
Mousetronaut: Based on a (Partially) True Story by astronaut Mark Edward Kelly
Agree with above - A Long Way to a Small, Angry PlanetSome YA options
Nyxia
Heart of Iron (this would also work as a retelling - Anastasia retelling)
Mirage
The Loneliest Girl in the Universe
Tara wrote: "I don't typically like sci-fi because I don't prefer world building. Can someone recommend some options that focus more on characters and the human story vs. the world building? TIA"You might like The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet which is more about the character interactions than world building. (If you already read that one, she has 2 others that are in a similar vein)
You would probably like anything that is considered to be a Space Opera, which is sort of what Star Trek is.
Oh, you might like Starship Troopers if you haven't encountered that one yet.
You might like The Martian, I only gave it a 3 but some people absolutely loved it. It's not world building at all, it's more of a survival story.
Tara wrote: "I don't typically like sci-fi because I don't prefer world building. Can someone recommend some options that focus more on characters and the human story vs. the world building? TIA"If you like YA: The first two books of the 100 series: The 100 & Day 21 (the books the netflix show is based on) except the books have a character, Glass, who remains on the space station so space isn't just at the beginning!
If you continue the series you can use a subsequent book for "from multiple perspectives" too :)
Tara wrote: "I don't typically like sci-fi because I don't prefer world building. Can someone recommend some options that focus more on characters and the human story vs. the world building? TIA"Across the Universe is an enjoyable YA series that's very character focused rather than worldbuilding.
So does it count as "space" if takes place on a different planet? I really want to read All Systems Red but I'm not sure how much of it actually takes place in space. The synopsis says "on a distant planet."
Tara wrote: "I don't typically like sci-fi because I don't prefer world building. Can someone recommend some options that focus more on characters and the human story vs. the world building? TIA"I'd suggest A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers. It's a character driven novel that happens to be in space.
For those who love YA, I started the Chronicle of the Dark Star series by Kevin Emerson last year and loved it!Last Day on Mars
The Oceans Between Stars
The Shores Beyond Time (Expected in 2019)
I'm really enjoying The Expanse series. The first book is Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey. And I'll be reading Nemesis Games (Expanse series #5) for this prompt.
I have so many options for this! I have a whole shelf of "space" books that I need to read! I think I may go with Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery I've really been wanting to read it. I met Scott Kelly last March at the Tucson Festival of Books, and he was so funny and interesting!
I'm not really looking forward to this one. I was thinking of The Martian but I really didn't like Artemis so I am weary. I don't think the things I disliked about Artemis (the ridiculous characterization of the protagonist who seemed more like a teenage boy than an adult woman, the homophobic "jokes" and the slut shaming) would be a factor though.Can anyone who has read both weigh in and advise whether I should try The Martian. I've heard such good things but I've also heard good things about Artemis and that didn't work out well for me...
Rachelnyc wrote: "I'm not really looking forward to this one. I was thinking of The Martian but I really didn't like Artemis so I am weary. I don't think the things I disliked about Artemis (the ridiculous character..."I haven't read Artemis but I read the Martian and found it well written and funny. There is a fair bit of science though, which puts some people off. I decided not to read Artemis because of reviews that echoed your concerns.
Tiffany wrote: "Rachelnyc wrote: "I'm not really looking forward to this one. I was thinking of The Martian but I really didn't like Artemis so I am weary. I don't think the things I disliked about Artemis (the ri..."Thanks Tiffany! I don't mind the science stuff, it's the one thing I liked about Artemis.
Rachelnyc wrote: "I'm not really looking forward to this one. I was thinking of The Martian but I really didn't like Artemis so I am weary. I don't think the things I disliked about Artemis (the ridiculous character..."The Martian is really good and really funny. I'd definitely recommend it.
Leticia wrote: "I'm reading 
for this one."Bob is one of my favorite audiobooks
Jenny wrote: "Rachelnyc wrote: "I'm not really looking forward to this one. I was thinking of The Martian but I really didn't like Artemis so I am weary. I don't think the things I disliked about Artemis (the ri..."Thanks Jenny. I think I will try it. I get the sense that the author was rushed into writing another book quickly after the success of The Martian so i will give him the benefit of the doubt.
Jenny wrote: "I have so many options for this! I have a whole shelf of "space" books that I need to read! I think I may go with Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery I've really b..."
I am planning to read the same book for this challenge :)
Rachelnyc wrote: "I'm not really looking forward to this one. I was thinking of The Martian but I really didn't like Artemis so I am weary. I don't think the things I disliked about Artemis (the ridiculous character..."It's interesting that you find the characterization 'ridiculous' because I'm an adult woman who related to the protagonist, at least in some ways. I wondered if she was meant to have a touch of Asperger's/autism, which might explain why she seemed unusual but would still be realistic.
Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man's First Journey to the Moon was a good book if you are looking for something non-fiction.
Raquel wrote: "Rachelnyc wrote: "I'm not really looking forward to this one. I was thinking of The Martian but I really didn't like Artemis so I am weary. I don't think the things I disliked about Artemis (the ri..."I certainly didn't mean to offend so apologies if my post came across that way. I just really did not find her believable. I did not get the sense that the author was trying to convey she was on the spectrum but that's just my opinion. It seemed to me that this was a case of a male author not knowing how to write a female character. My feelings were exacerbated by the constant talk of how 'slutty' the character was and all the "jokes" made to that effect and I never understood what that was even supposed to add to the story.
I also felt that the gay character was completely one dimensional and seemed to be there just so the author could make gay "jokes" that I found to be borderline offensive and I'm really not easily offended. Of course this is all just my opinion and I know a lot of people loved this book.
Rachelnyc wrote: "Raquel wrote: "Rachelnyc wrote: "I'm not really looking forward to this one. I was thinking of The Martian but I really didn't like Artemis so I am weary. I don't think the things I disliked about ..."I'm definitely not offended that you don't like the book! I know there were others who didn't like it, and obviously it would be silly for me to try to convince you to like it when you didn't.
I just thought it odd that you gave that reason for not liking the book, when it's really more that you personally don't relate to the character. Unless you don't find me believable as a person either. ;-)
Raquel wrote: "I just thought it odd that you gave that reason for not liking the book, when it's really more that you personally don't relate to the character. Unless you don't find me believable as a person either. ;-)"It's more than just her not being relatable since there were aspects of the character I related to and I also find plenty of characters believable that I don't necessarily relate to, there was just something about her and the humor used in this book that rubbed me the wrong way. Anyway, it's always interesting to hear opposing viewpoints and I assure you I find you 100% believable as a person! ;)
- Binti- Ancillary Justice
- The Warrior's Apprentice
- The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
- Planetside
- Outriders
- Embassytown
- Hunger Makes the Wolf
- Daughters of Forgotten Light
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Glow (YA)
The Long Way to a Small, Angry PlanetOh but I just realized I own a copy of Across the Universe. Such a pretty cover 😊
I feel like this is the universe telling me to just finish The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I've started it multiple times over the years but just couldn't get into it. I can't let the book win. It's so short!I've also been wanting to read Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery which would certainly fit this prompt as well.
I will take this opportunity to recommend The Explorer which will require zero getting to grips with world-building. It's about being left alone in space, how that sends you mad, but also goes back to show how the crew member ended up the last one alive on his ship.For a sci-fi light option Hold Back The Stars is more about relationships.
Tess Gerritsen also has a book set in space, there was some controversy that the film Gravity stole her story... Gravity.
This is a super easy prompt for me though. I realised I don't read much SF on other planets this year, but spaceships, sure.
I've been wanting to read Chris Van Allsburg for a while now, so I think I'll read Zathura (it's Jumanji but in space). I haven't read it so don't hold me to this, but I assume it would work for those who don't enjoy world-building in sci fi books?
Mod
You definitely want to read The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet then!! I actually wasn't crazy about that one, because it focused too much on the people and not so much on the action, but it sounds like it would be perfect for you (and it's been very popular).
Mod
I haven't read Artemis because of the reasons you listed, but I did really love The Martian and gave it 5 stars. There's some crass or off-color humor, but it was never too much for me. I get the feeling (COMPLETELY UNFOUNDED except for the fact that I hated Annie's Day) that Weir sort of struck gold with that first book, but he's actually the kind of guy to write books with lots of sexist and homophobic crap in them, so I'm really not keen to read anything else by him.
Nadine wrote: "Rachelnyc wrote: "I'm not really looking forward to this one. I was thinking of The Martian but I really didn't like Artemis so I am weary. I don't think the things I disliked about Artemis (the ri..."Thanks Nadine. I read a couple of reviews and articles and I think you're right about Weir. I've heard enough good things about The Martian that I am going to read it. I'm actually now really looking forward to it.
Rachelnyc wrote: "Nadine wrote: "Rachelnyc wrote: "I'm not really looking forward to this one. I was thinking of The Martian but I really didn't like Artemis so I am weary. ..."I meant to answer you on this yesterday too but these threads are so crazy this week!!
I listened to the Martian a few years ago when it came out and don't remember anything like what you mentioned from Artemis, although it wasn't my favorite ( and now I really don't want to try Artemis), I got through it. ( maybe a little too Sci Fi for my taste, I do better with Fantasy/Dystopia) There was a lot of science to it, and every time I think of it or someone asks about it I remember a lot of potatoes and ....poop. And math I think. I just wished with this one it had gotten more into the character instead of the science behind it. BUT, as far as audio and I are concerned it kept my attention and thats saying something. And I'm glad to say I tried it.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (other topics)Do You Dream of Terra-Two? (other topics)
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (other topics)
Illuminae (other topics)
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Becky Chambers (other topics)Becky Chambers (other topics)
Mary Robinette Kowal (other topics)
Yoon Ha Lee (other topics)
Ruth Ann Nordin (other topics)
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It's similar to this year's "set on a different planet" prompt, but the options are a bit more broad. Ok you sci-fi fans - what can you recommend to the rest of us?